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Commenting on the launch, Tom Keaveny, Executive Vice President and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “I am delighted to announce the launch of Discovery HD in India, one of the world’s most vibrant media markets. As the leading pioneer in the HD arena, today’s launch underscores Discovery’s enduring commitment to offering high-quality content and services that serve the needs of both affiliates and advertisers while enhancing the consumer viewing experience.”

Discovery HD promises to bring audiences closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and expansive detail, featuring programming on the wonders of the world ranging from culture, science, and natural history to travel and lifestyle themes. Creating an audio and visual experience that is richer, deeper and more panoramic than standard definition viewing, the new high-definition programming will be offered in 1080i, along with 5.1 surround sound, lending itself perfectly to the type of rich, spectacular images and compelling storytelling for which Discovery is renowned.

Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President and General Manager, India, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, said, “The emergence and growth of digitisation in India is critically dependent on the broadcasters’ competence to offer differentiated, credible and entertaining content. Discovery HD brings the network’s thrilling factual content to life – sound effects are more realistic, images larger than life and situations more gripping than ever before.”

Tony D’Silva, Chief Operating Officer, Sun Direct commented, “Sun Direct is immensely proud to be the first DTH provider in India to showcase high definition content to its viewers. Discovery HD’s worldwide reputation, global programming repertoire and production quality will surely add value to our HD product offering.”

Discovery HD will bring viewers immersive programmes such as GREEN PARADISE that will explore the most beautiful natural paradises in the world; POSTCARDS AUSTRALIA that will showcase exciting, engaging and beautiful destinations around Australia; NATURE’S KEEPERS that will call viewers’ attention to the natural treasures of our planet and the protection thereof; and OUR PLANET which will tell the story of some of the greatest wildlife events taking place on our planet. The channel will also offer unique and never-seen-before programming, including SPACE STATION HD, SUNRISE EARTH, MOMENTS IN TIME, MONUMENTAL VISION and DESTINATION WILDERNESS.

Discovery was the first global broadcaster to launch a 24/7 high-definition network with Discovery HD Theater in the United States in 2002. Today, it is now one of the leading global providers of HD networks with services offered in more than 60 markets around the world.

The launch of Discovery HD expands Discovery’s portfolio in India to six networks. Discovery broadcasts five other networks in India including Discovery Channel, Discovery Travel & Living, and Animal Planet. The three networks reach 118 million cumulative subscribers in India with programming customised in English, Hindi and Tamil. The company recently launched two additional networks in January 2010 – Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo. Discovery HD will be available on Sun Direct channel no. 965.